Fate/Blackened Sugar

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "I have an umbrella and a raincoat. I'll walk you to the street where they'll pick you up."

You wanted her to stay some more, especially in this rain but you knew it couldn't be. The Main House wouldn't allow for such an excuse. She was their Perfect Magus after all. If she stayed any longer, she would be barred from contacting you to make a punishment out of it.

It wasn't one thing you could argue with no matter how hard you try. You knew this because you had experience.

"I have an umbrella and a raincoat. I'll walk you to the street where they'll pick you up," you offered as you met her gaze.

Celine blinked in surprise before cracking a smile, "Well, you do need the fresh air. Alright then, come along Brother."

.....
....
...

The rain fell, you held up an umbrella while Celine stayed close to you beneath it. The streets themselves were empty save for some parked cars and the two of you. Celine was wearing a bright orange raincoat while you simply had an umbrella.

You always kept an extra raincoat for her whenever she came in just in case for these scenarios. It never truly hurt to be prepared after all and you didn't want her to get sick.

Ugh... Here you went again.

"It's been a long time since we walked together, haven't we, Brother?" Celine said as she glanced at you with a bright smile.

"We can't exactly drop by a park, you know?" You said as you walked by her side, "But yeah, it's been awhile."

"Not since mom passed, right? She always took us out whenever she could. She knew that you had a hard time coping with Grandfather's training," Celine said as she held her hands behind her back.

"It was the only time I could be myself. It kept me whole," you replied as you held your hand to your chest, "You and mom, you were both my entire world."

"But you know, even then, we still felt sad seeing you hurt all the time. Seeing your wounds, your tears and your suffering... Being a Magus is not easy," Celine said as she looked up the gray sky.

You chuckled and shook your head, "Not for a genius like you."

"That's true... But I still hurt every time I hear them talk badly about you. It still hurts and I hated it," Celine said as she lowered her head, "Why, Brother? Why would you go that far for us?"

Insatiableness and Desire​

[] "I... I wanted power. I wanted to become strong. I wanted more power than grandfather could ever imagine. Then... He wouldn't need to boss us around anymore."
[] "I did it so I could be with you and mom. If you two were by my side, just being in your presence, then it's going to be okay. I wouldn't be able to handle it if you two weren't there."
[] "Why? That's a silly question. I'm your Brother and a Son too. Isn't that reason enough to do the impossible for my family?"
[] "Because... I know you deserve better than being in that family. I promised myself that when dad went off and never came back, I would be the one to protect you two."

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "I did it so I could be with you and mom. If you two were by my side, just being in your presence, then it's going to be okay. I wouldn't be able to handle it if you two weren't there."

The rain continued to fall, only for you to eventually stop as it grew heavier. You and Celine stood beneath a café's front door and took shelter for a bit. The coldness of the water and the smell of asphalt filled the air. You pondered on your words before you eventually came to an answer.

"I did it so I could be with you and mom," you finally told her, closing your umbrella while looking at the rain, "If you two were by my side, just being in your presence, then it's going to be okay. I wouldn't be able to handle it if you two weren't there."

"You're not that much of a baby for that," Celine said as she glanced at you.

"You'd be surprised," you chuckled as you glanced her way, "But seeing you here, it helped me quite a bit."

Celine stared at you as the rain fell. Her eyes studied your expression while you looked at the gray skies. You felt your tattoos burned as you closed your eyes, this was too good to be true after all. Yes, seeing her here, it warmed your heart.

Hearing her voice again and watching her smile, it gave you perspective. It helped you reorient yourself.

You did all this for them.

"You're already doing well without us," Celine said as she held her hands behind her back, "You just have to keep moving forward."

You turned her way as she smiled up at you. Your eyes widened as you began to feel a flood of memories rush back into you. You felt the rush of memories of ten years return to you, from the wars you won to the one you had been fighting now.

You felt your body grow weak as memories returned. You leaned against the glass door as your umbrella fell to the ground. You held your head as there was pain at the back of your eyes. Like white hot pokers were stabbing into them, it stung hard.

You recalled being swallowed by-

"Brother," Celine murmured as she faced you.

She... She wasn't real. But... It was her from your memories. But at the same time...

"You're not going to stop, aren't you?" Celine said as she smiled at you, taking down her hood and letting her orange hair sway, "That's just how to are, you're stubborn but that's a charm point. Brother, you've come so far since you started this journey. That in itself is commendable."

"So should I keep going? What should I do?" You asked her as you fell down your knees and held her shoulders, "Tell me, I... I'm tired. I'm tired, Celine."

"But even then, you'll keep going, won't you?" Celine said as she held your face, "Brother, you already know the answer."

"I'm sorry... I-" you began but your sister hugged you to cut you off.

"Those words aren't meant for me. Save them, okay? For the one you've been fighting for all this time," Celine said with a cracked voice.

You felt tears well up in your eyes as you ended up closing them. You hugged her back and grit your teeth. It hurts... It hurts so much.

The rain continued to fall as you embraced her. You didn't notice it before but you were shaking. Ten years... You've fought for ten years. You lost so many people, you killed even more, you were tired... So tired.

But you couldn't stop.

Not until you ask her forgiveness in the flesh.

When you bring her back, that's the only time you can die.

"You're strong, Brother. Don't lose. Because someone at the end of your journey will be waiting for you," Celine said with a determined look.

She let you go just as you heard a noise. A black car stopped by the street. The rain had stopped awhile ago and you stood up to face the car as the backdoor opened.

You couldn't see the seat and only saw a black void. Celine held your right hand and cupped it in both her hands. You looked down to see that your armlet had returned containing the poison keeping you from using your Command Seals.

The armlet snapped apart and clattered on the ground, a smile curling upon Celine's lips as she looked up at you.

"This is goodbye then, Brother," Celine said as she met your gaze, her orange eyes meeting your blue ones.

You realized that your body had changed, returning to that of your true one. Your left arm was gone and you were dressed in your old clothes. You and Celine saw someone step out of the car and circle around it to stand by the open door.

It was an old man with long graying hair in a black suit. He leaned on a black cane and had a hawk-like gaze as he looked upon you. Your eyes widened as you grit your teeth.

"Grandfather," you breathed.

He said nothing but Celine let go of your hand to walk towards him. Your Grandfather stepped aside to let Celine through with a light bow, his eyes on you, mocking you.

You felt your blood boil.

"Don't," Celine warned you, glancing back your way, "It's fine."

She said it with a sad tone and a resigned smile.

But even so...

Even so!

"It's not fine!" You shouted as you crossed the street and grabbed her hand, pulling her back Celine looked at you in surprise.

Even if it's a dream...

"Even if it's a dream, I won't let you make her hurt," you declared to the Old Man before you.

The Old Man's lips curled wider as he raised his arms to welcome you.

Wrath and Envy​

[] You'll summon Faux Pandora and rid him from your lives. You'll purge him with his own Magecraft and free Celine! You'll make him suffer till he begs you to stop! Even if he has all the power you want, you'll make him hurt!
[] You got between him and Celine, keeping your sister close as you held out your hand. You'll blow him away, with every bit of skill and magecraft you had accumulated in the ten years you've been fighting. You'll protect your sister!
[] You pushed Celine aside and kept her back, facing your grandfather. This was your decision. You won't let her go! You held up your Command Seals and cried out, "FIGHT BY MY SIDE, ASSASSIN!"
=======

Spoiler: BGM

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] You pushed Celine aside and kept her back, facing your grandfather. This was your decision. You won't let her go! You held up your Command Seals and cried out, "FIGHT BY MY SIDE, ASSASSIN!"

Stepping forward, you pushed your sister aside and kept her behind you, facing the man before you at once. The darkness from within the car surged forth, painting the surrounding area and bringing you out of reality, sending you into the familiar void in which you had been swallowed whole by the monstrous creature which freed you from Ophelia.

You ended up standing before a void just as the body of your grandfather broke, twisted and churned into a monstrous visage of an abomination with reddish scales and human-like smiles. You knew what this was...

"Brother!" Celine cried out but you simply smiled her way.

Spoiler: BGM

You then faced the abomination as you held out your right hand. Burning red light began to shine from your Command Seals. Even if it's a dream, you won't let anything get in your way.

You smiled as you recalled someone do the same thing.

"FIGHT BY MY SIDE, ASSASSIN!" You ordered as one of the marks on your hand vanished.

Scarlet light burst forth and the air split apart as a miracle occurred. From the light appeared a Shrine Maiden instead of a Shinobi. Dressed in red and white clothes your eyes widened as fireflies began to appear.

"My Lord, did you wait long?"​

They danced in the air as the Shrine Maiden slowly stood up, her flute playing a wistful song as she calmly looked up. The monstrous form of her foe towered before her as she met it's gaze before it roared and lunged down at her.

Assassin answered as black serpents arose from the ground to meet with the Beast, sinking their fangs upon it and wrapping around its neck to keep it from reaching her. Assassin played her song as the serpents crushed the Beast's neck before it struggled hard enough to tear the heads of the snakes around it.

It howled in anger as it looked down on Assassin.

"I finally found you, My Lord," Assassin said as she turned to you with a beautiful smile, a look of relief on her face as she met your gaze with both of her eyes.

She stood beneath the Beast as it roared and lunged down again. She turned and kicked off the ground, rising to the air and turning, drawing her sword and kunai as she dived straight down.

Her serpents reappeared around her and pinned the Beast down as she drove her sword into its head, plunging her blade. She grit her teeth and jumped away as the Beast was sent reeling in anger as the two of you stood side by side.

"Save the reunion later. We have to take this monster down," you told her as you clenched your fist.

"It will be difficult. Someone of my stature couldn't defeat it. I do not have anything in my arsenal strong enough to defeat it," Assassin said as she held her katana.

"You can't."

The two of you turned to the side to find Manaka standing before you two with a calm look. She gave you that smug smile of hers before she held her skirt and curtsied towards Celine. She then faced you.

"Nothing short of the most powerful Sacred Sword could kill it. It's an Evil of Humanity, a mere Servant and Master couldn't hope to defeat it so don't even try," Manaka said as she shook her head.

"Isn't that thing supposed to be under your control?" You growled at her.

"Normally. But now I think he hates you very much," Manaka said with a giggle before shrugging, "But anyway, you can probably make him hurt."

She glanced at your sister just as the younger girl spoke up.

"Elpis," Celine said from the side as she looked at you, "We can drive it off with Elpis!"

"Not bad for a fragment of human thought," Manaka said with a nod, "There's your answer. Do hurry, the child has a short temper."

"Right. Assassin," you barked as you turned.

"I need time!" Assassin said as she took out some sealing tags.

"I'll help!" Celine said as the Beast opened its eyes and roared, revealing the other seven heads as it's bulging scarlet body came into view from the Abyss it was cradled in.

Manaka simply stood by as you neared her with Celine behind you.

"You okay with this?" You asked.

"It should be a fun prelude to our future duel," Manaka said as she held up her hand. You slapped it as you passed by while you forged on ahead.

You took off your tie and let it fly off to the side, you felt your circuits burn as you began to chant.

"Cliffs at the Shores of World's End. I stand against Eternity," you declared as you held out your arm, magical energy sparking around you as the Beast loomed over you. This was an unbeatable monster, but even so it stood in the way of you and your wish.

Light began to gather before you as your circuits burned.

"I am the Rock unmoved by the waves of Time!" you continued as the air was filled with miasma, mud spilling forth from the Beast's body. You held on as you kept chanting, "Strike me and feel retribution. Strike me and be destroyed!"

Celine stood by your side, standing strong despite her short stature, she faced the monster head on. She held her arm out as she changed alongside you.

"Manifest oh shield of Wisdom! Shelter me from my enemies!"
"Manifest oh shield of Wisdom! Shelter me from my enemies!"

A shield appeared, born of light and magecraft, amplified by your dualcast as you both watched the Beast's head reel back and lunge. You both raised your voices and declared.

"AEGIS SUPREMA!"
"AEGIS SUPREMA!"
​

Two layers of your shields activated and shined bright against the darkness. The Beast smashed against the shields, causing all seven heads to bounce right off once, only to crack both shields at once. You and Celine grunted from the strike, blood coming out of your lips as the Beast howled.

They then raised a massive claw as you cried out.

"GO! ASSASSIN!!!" you roared as the claw fell and smashed open your defenses, blowing you back.

Behind you, Assassin had finished as she completed her summoning. Assassin wielded her Noble Phantasm as she sent it forward.

Spoiler: BGM

"This Curse I wield, I will use to strike down Humanity's Evils! Soar! Kuchiyose - Ibuki Daimyoujin Engi! (Channeling-Omen of the Great God Ibuki!)" Assassin declared as a Great Serpent arose from behind her, striking faster than the Beast could react to.

The Two monsters clashed and the black Serpents coiled around the Beast as it tore through the Noble Phantasm's body. The Black Serpent sunk their fangs on the Scarlet Beast and coiled their bodies to crush its body but the Beast's mud fought back.

It was a battle of epic proportions but you recognized it. The Serpents which latched on the Beast were highly concentrated clusters of Curses.

"Brother!" Celine cried out as you held out your hand, a black box appeared.

Manaka smiled as she watched you open it, unleashing the cloud of Curses stored within to assail to the Beast. The box surged with curses until only the Light of Hope remained.

You grasped it and felt it's warmth in your grasp. Assassin landed on your side, turning to hold on to your hand.

The Beast turned to the two of you as you both raised the white sword, taking form in your hands as it shined with silver light. You met its gaze and it looked back at you, looking at what was in your hand it was reminded of a painful memory.

The memory of a King striking it down before.

But now instead of blistering Golden Light, the darkness was filled with a Silver Glow. The stronger the curse latched on a target, the more deadly this blade was.

This was the Luctworth's Grand Failure you mastered for ten years. It was what that family abandoned and what you desperately clung to. It was the magecraft you picked up and held close.

It was Hope.

"YoU dArE?!"

You and Assassin held the sword together.

The Beast roared as it moved in to crush you, opening its maw to swallow you whole.

"Shine! Silver Light of Hope!" you roared as the sword of light burned bright, " ELPIS!(FAUX PANDORA)"

The sword fell as you and Assassin both swung it down, a flash of silver light streaking through the air first. It was as if the void in which the Beast was cradled upon was sliced as well just as an explosion soon came after, burning the Beast in a blast of silver fire.

It hurt. You definitely hurt it as the Beast howled in pain as normally, Elpis would terminate the cursed target alongside the curses which ailed it. But given the Beast's constitution, you couldn't kill it, no man could and especially not you.

Only the Hunter of the Beast could fell it but you did succeed in hurting it. The fear it felt upon tasting the bite the greatest Holy Sword (Excalibur) returned and it whined and hissed.

It cannot be killed, this was a fact so you inflicted upon it mankind's primordial Curse. The Curse of Agony. You simply introduced it to deep and excruciating pain.

It looked upon you with hatred, such seething hatred that it would crush your soul but Assassin stood before you. She looked at the Beast and it looked back, just as it retreated and hid away.

The silver sword vanished from your hand as you fell down your knees and coughed out blood.

"Master!" Assassin breathed in alarm as she supported you.

Manaka clapped her hands as she smiled, "Well done! It's just like what a Hero would do in a fairytale."

You glanced at her and gave her a shake of your head, "Very funny."

Spoiler: BGM

You held on to Assassin as she helped you stand up. You turned and faced your sister as she began to fade away. She looked down at her hands and sniffled.

"Brother..." Celine said as she looked at you, "I-"

Letting go of Assassin, you stumbled towards her and hugged her close.

"Thank you. Even if it's just a dream, thank you," you said as you hugged her with your remaining arm, "I... Won't lose. I promise."

Celine's eyes welled up as she sniffled, "Yes! Please win! Wake her up! Please, you have to win and-"

Celine's words were cut off as she eventually vanished into motes of golden light. You ended up grasping at empty air, watching the tiny lights drift to the air. You reached out your hand to hold one but Manaka held your wrist.

You met her gaze and frowned but she shook her head.

"Chasing dreams is fine but you shouldn't be too excited about this," Manaka said as she let you go.

You faced her with a frown, "What was she? Everything that just happened..."

"It was your trial. To see if you're worth being the Hero of this story," Manaka said as she held her hands behind her back.

"Cut the bullshit! Why?!" You questioned her but she simply ignored you.

"Tell me though, how do you feel?" Manaka asked right back at you, "Do you feel better now?"

You glared at her before looking down at your hand. You sighed as you met her gaze, "Yeah. Somehow..."

"Indeed. You certainly look more real to me now. It's as if I peeled away at the facade you've been wearing and exposed your deepest core. Definitely, you seem more human now than ever, Hans Derrinsmith," Manaka said as she giggled, "I'm looking forward to our duel. Thanks to you I learned a lot of things."

You stared at her for a few moments before guessing, "You're going to bring that thing out again, won't you?"

"We'll see," Manaka said as she turned away, "You should go now. This'll be the last time I'll be helping you. I'll return at Christmas Eve... Until then, enjoy your little War."

You watched her leave, her dress swaying as she moved before you felt the ground you shift. You and Assassin grabbed on to one another before your vision turned black.

.....
....
...

You could feel the wind on your face and a warm sensation beneath your head. You stirred from your sleep as exhaustion seemed to leave your body. Opening your eyes, you found yourself staring at the moon and stars... But your eyes were drawn to something else.

Assassin was looking down on you and gave you a smile of relief, "You're finally awake, Master."

You stared back at her and replied, "I told you, you don't have to be formal with me, right?"

Assassin blinked before nodding, "My mistake... I'm glad your safe, Hans."

She carefully stroked your head as you chuckled.

Dance of Curses
​

[] "Nice to see you too, Chiyome."
[] "You sure know how to make a guy wait."
[] "Sorry if I worried you. I made a bad move back then."
[] "Thank you for answering my call, Assassin."
[] Write in...
=========

Spoiler: BGM

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "Nice to see you too, Chiyome."

You met her gaze and replied, "Nice to see you too, Chiyome."

Chiyome's eyes widened at that before she looked away with a slight flush to her cheek. You thought nothing of it but Chiyome was about to say something but found her voice stolen.

You tried getting up and did so with minimal trouble. You looked down your hand to find that one Command Seal had indeed been spent. You had two left on the back of your hand. Things were going to be more difficult in the future.

"Are you okay now?" Assassin asked you with a curious tone.

"A little bit," you replied as you glanced her way. You then looked around to find that the two of you had been deposited into a high rise building.

It was nighttime which meant it was the evening of the eleventh night of the war. With everything happening, you were left with no actual rest done or preparations made.

"Where's Miyu?" You quickly asked her with a raised eyebrow.

"I brought Lady Miyu and Ayumi to a hidden location. However I cannot ascertain their safety in such a place," Chiyome replied as she met your gaze, "I simply took them back to our old hideout."

"There's no telling if it's compromised or not," you replied as you slowly stood up on your feet, "We have to go."

You began moving but you stumbled over your feet and fell. Assassin got up and caught you, supporting your weight as you wore a strained look.

"You're still weak. You should take some time to rest," Chiyome warned you as she held you up.

"We can't just leave Miyu alone. Bad enough I'm gone but she's by herself. We have to go," you told her as you staggered forward.

"That is true but you're dangerously low on mana due to the ordeal you just overcame. Should you exert yourself, I will require other sources of magical energy to maintain myself," Chiyome said with a worried tone, "We shouldn't have won back there, Hans. It took everything out of the both of us."

You glanced at her as she gave you a serious look. You sighed as you leaned against your Servant. You're at your absolute weakest now, no better than when Ophelia found you. If another Servant found you now or worst yet, Rider again, you won't be escaping a second time.

The door to the rooftop opened and a man in a suit stepped in with a pack of smokes. He glanced up to see you and Assassin before you held up your hand and he froze.

You felt that he was under your trance while Chiyome looked primed to kill. However you kept close to her so she won't just drop you if she moved, instead you hypnotized the man as he stood frozen.

"What is this building?" You asked sharply.

"This is the Golden Paradise Hotel, sir. I am a supervisor in charge of management," the man said as he stared blankly into space.

"Drop all your money and leave, you will continue with your work and forget this conversation," you continued as the man did as you told him. He turned back and exited before you let out a breath.

You moved away from Assassin and picked up the wallet.

"We could have just knocked him out," Chiyome said as she glanced at you.

"Much easier this way," you said as you got up. You checked the wallet and found an ID card, some money, and credit cards.

This will be useful.

Now it's... Just a matter of staying somewhere. You have to lay low.

Shaky Feet
​

[] Commandeer a vacant room to stay at tonight. Put up some wards to drive off other people.
[] Stay at another Hotel using the money you acquired. It might let you lose your scent for those pursuing you.
[] Get to a phone and call up your employees. Tell them to take you out of here and take you back to the hideout.
[] You have a safehouse from your 'homeless' days blending in with the city. You can guide Assassin to take you there.

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] You have a safehouse from your 'homeless' days blending in with the city. You can guide Assassin to take you there.

You had a safehouse nearby you had hidden away. In the past six few months you stayed here, you had hideaways in several places. You were fortunate that you were able to navigate your way out of the building you were in with Assassin leading you on.

She made sure that everything was safe and that you weren't being followed. The last thing you needed was for Minerva to find you. You kept moving through the streets, passing by cars and people as you walked.

You were almost there. You eventually came upon a dark alley and walked into it. You moved through a few corners and eventually came upon a weathered dead end with a dumpster to the left.

Chiyome reappeared behind you and walked by your side, "There's a faint magical presence. An illusionary wall?"

You smiled as you held up your hand and announced your presence. The wall shifted and the bricks each turned and created a path. You stepped into it and had Chiyome follow you into a building separate from the apartments nearby. The path sealed up and you were in a lit safehouse hidden from view.

You had severed this portion of the apartment complex as makeshift workshop in the event you needed to use it. There were several others, one which had been compromised at the start of the war but here you were.

You had supplies and all sorts of weapons stored in each of them, plus maps and possible leads to enemy masters. Most of those things were obsolete now that you had an idea on what you're up against.

Chiyome looked around and made sure to check if it was truly safe before relaxing. You staggered to a corner and grabbed a cane you had hidden away, leaning on it as you felt like you reacquired something you lost.

"Make yourself at home," you said as you turned to her, "I'll be upstairs and get some rest."

"Do... Do you not want to eat, Hans?" Chiyome asked with a frown.

You blinked her way before smiling, "I'm not particularly hungry. I'm fine, Chiyome, geez."

"Well if I may remind you, you just barely escaped a Beast of Humanity with your life. Not to mention your complexion is downright horrid," Chiyome observed as she crossed her arms.

"I... There should be some sardines and canned food in the boxes. They're still okay," you replied as you leaned awkwardly on your cane.

Chiyome nodded and began moving to the boxes. You decided to get up to the second floor and look out the window at the end of the stairs. You had a view of the outside but from their position you might as well be invisible.

The wards prevented this place from being found and you made sure that you'll be alerted to any tampering. It wasn't as secure as your former accomodations but it works for the time being.

You entered the bedroom and came upon a single bed, a wardrobe and a small desk with a seat. You opened the lights and set your cane down while you sat on the side of the bed.

A sigh left your lips as you looked down at yourself. If there was one thing to describe you, it would be 'a mess'. You didn't know how you were still alive.

"I have until Christmas Eve, huh?" You murmured as you held your head, "Manaka, was this within the realm of possibilities you saw too?"

To think she would play you this much. What an incredible enemy, you couldn't help but feel a little grateful... But it would seem that was the case she was trying to make.

Penning this story, she was willing to push you this far. It was almost annoying how she was doing this but at the present, she was currently gone. You need to deal with this war in the next two weeks, huh? She was asking a lot from you now that you've been beaten to this state.

"Guess that's not the last time we're fighting that monster," you murmured as you got up and walked to the desk and knelt down. You unlocked a hidden compartment beneath it and took out an attache case.

Setting it down the bed, you opened it an found a handgun lying within it with two magazines of bullets. Conventional weapons had no place in a Grail War but Minerva was already making full use of such arms in combat.

It would be useful to keep around. You looked beneath it and found a piece of paper. It was labeled: For Very Bad Situations Only.

This was followed by a phone number.

This can only lead to horrible times.

The door opened and Chiyome stepped in with a steaming plate of food for you to eat. The smell wafted towards you and almost immediately, you felt your stomach complain. As it turns out you weren't hungry because you haven't been near food in awhile.

"You can put it at the desk," you said as you got up.

Chiyome deposited the plate on the desk and said, "It feels rather cramped here."

"That it is. It's fine though," you replied with a nod as you took your seat as Chiyome stepped back, "Thanks for the food, Assassin."

You took a bite of the sweet curry she made and blinked. You didn't have any other ingredients stored in this place but this taste... It's nothing short of wonderful. Your eyes widened as you ate up the meal before you and stopped once half of it was gone.

"It's fantastic," you said as you turned her way. It was a far cry from her first meal that she cooked for you.

No, the difference was worlds apart.

"I was hoping it would make you happy. I'm glad it did," Chiyome said as she smiled your way.

You chewed on your meal before you set it down. Well, if that was the case she succeeded.

"Thanks..." You said as you looked down at your meal.

Chiyome blinked before asking, "Is everything okay?"

"I had a dream when I was captured. I dreamed about your past again," you said as you closed your eyes to see the image of your servant being swallowed by a swarm of black snakes in a sea of blood.

A scene right out of Hell.

"It was... Rather scary," you said as you looked down your meal, "I've met many Heroic Spirits before. Many of them led tragic lives, but what I saw back then..."

Assassin gave you a sad smile, "It disgusted you, didn't it?"

"No. I was frustrated because I couldn't do anything," you corrected her as you met her gaze, "I always thought that Heroic Spirits, these legendary figures, had the strength of a hundred people for overcoming their trials. But you... You never truly did, didn't you?"

"Such is the curse that I bear," Chiyome said as she held her shoulder, "But... Manaka said that I need to step up if I were to protect you."

"Manaka did?" You asked.

Chiyome smiled as she held her chest, "It's how I came to be in this form that I am in now. To wield my curse against the Evil of Man... But you're correct, nothing was ever resolved. But it's fine. This much is fine already, so long as I can win you this war, Hans. Because of you, I learned to bear the curse that I have..."

You stared at her as she gave you a look of determination.

Room for Two
​

[] "I see. Thank you, Chiyome. I knew I could count on you. Guess I wasn't wrong."
[] "No, I'm not satisfied with that. Tell me, are you really fine with that, Chiyome?"

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "No, I'm not satisfied with that. Tell me, are you really fine with that, Chiyome?"

You met her gaze and felt the resolve she had in her heart. She... Wasn't truly ready but she would endure if it meant making you win. She would hold on to you while enduring that curse she held within her flesh and blood. Your thoughts returned to that dream you had and you grimaced.

"No, I'm not satisfied with that," you told her as you grabbed her wrist and pulled her close, meeting her eyes as you spoke while she looked surprised, "Tell me, are you really fine with that, Chiyome?"

Assassin's eyes blinked as she tried to recompose herself, "I... If it means letting you win... I would let this curse consume me. The strength you have, it's bright, bright enough to let me find my own."

"But you're still afraid," you pointed out.

Chiyome smiled your way and said, "I'll never stop being afraid. But serving someone like you, it's enough to make me forget that fear. It's no wonder you won so many Wars, Hans. You're someone who accepts others. Heroic Spirits would like to be with someone like that, especially those who are different or cast aside."

You slowly let her go, "It isn't really anything special."

"But it's special to us," Chiyome said as she held your hand, "Which is why... This is fine, isn't it? In the past, I was always looked differently. I wanted to be useful, to be someone of worth. Which was how I came to use my skills for Lord Shingen. He allowed me to fully use my talents. Moritoki, my husband, never saw me than his wife, and he accepted me with no complaint. Few people have accepted me and my curse... You're one of them Hans, and I say that's special."

Chiyome lowered her head and rubbed her shoulder. You just noticed that she had been trembling as she spoke, possibly remembering the people who didn't see her as the curse blooded Kunoichi but as the woman, Mochizuki Chiyome.

A fellow human being.

So few saw her and those that heard of her only saw her as a monster.

That was her real curse. A curse given to her by humanity, not truly that of her blood.

Curses clung to her body but beneath all that was just someone who needed help. A lonely person.

"So strong," you murmured as you reached out for her and fixed her hair. Chiyome raised her head to look at you in surprise.

You smiled and said, "You're strong for standing with all weight on your shoulders, Chiyome. I just wish I can do something for you, you know?"

Assassin held your hand to her cheek as she nodded. She was warm... Didn't she feel cold when you touched her before?

"There is..." Chiyome replied with a quiet voice, looking to the side.

You blinked in surprise, "Really? What is it?"

She stepped closer to you and leaned down. Her golden eye glinted as she smiled, "Take a guess, Master."

Closeness
​

[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "I promise. I'll be there with you until the very end."

A guess?

Well, if she wanted it that way.

"I promise. I'll be there with you until the very end," you replied as you met her gaze.

Assassin's smile slowly turned into a frown. She gave you a hard look before moving your hand away from her face.

"I see. So you're this sort of man. This is more difficult than I thought," Chiyome said as you gave her a confused look.

What did she mean by that?

She then grabbed you by your shirt and pulled you close. Chiyome pressed her lips against yours, catching you by surprise. Her soft lips met your own and you felt your heart rate spike up. She was warm to touch and her strength was real.

Like being coiled around by a serpent, you couldn't get away.

Assassin's kiss was long and sweet before she parted from you. It was like waking from a deep dream as she smiled at you at last.

"A non-answer is unbecoming of you, Hans," she said as she placed a finger before her lips, "I hope this punishment would make you more aware and less dense."

"Punishment?" You repeated as you stared at her.

"Next time, I hope you'll indulge me again," Chiyome said with a sad smile. She then vanished from before you.

You blinked before feeling your lips with your fingers. You weren't dreaming... That was definitely real.

You scratched your head and sighed, "I'm not good with these sorts of things."

.....
....
...

It was a couple of hours later that you walked down the street with your sleeve swaying behind you. You didn't have any suits in your hideout so you were stuck with a gray shirt and a black jacket as you moved.

It was 2am and you managed to rest for a couple of hours. You weren't going to delay meeting Miyu again any longer. You moved slowly though, under the cover of the night and the bright lights of the city. You kept out of sight of Minerva's monitors wherever they may be.

You couldn't risk drawing attention to yourself at this point. You winced as you felt a slight twinge of pain on your body. You just needed to last a little bit longer, then you can fall.

Not only that...

"Are you mad?" You asked out loud as you glanced to your side.

"No."

She's a little annoyed, that much you can tell.

"I'm sorry, for being dense. Can you look past it now?" You asked as you walked with your hand in your pocket.

"No."

Well, at least she wasn't being painfully formal about this. That would have only made you feel worse. Though it seems like she was taking it in stride, compared to you now that you were made aware.

The only other Servant that was like this was... Well... Maybe Circe.

"We're here. Let's go see them," you said as you stood before the building Miyu had been staying in. Assassin said that she left them here, so they should still be in, right?

But what was this feeling of unease?

.....
....
...

You reached the floor where your suite should be. The employees all greeted you as you passed by but you simply ran past them. You held your cane in your hand while Chiyome kept up with you from your shadow. Running down the hall, you moved down a corner and made your way to your door.

There were no break ins, there were no signs of them leaving either. So what was this feeling? Ah...

Right. Manaka's wards were missing.

You opened the door to find the suite empty.

"Impossible. They should be here a few hours ago."

Did they leave? When?

Walking in the suite, there didn't seem to be signs of struggle. You looked down the sofa to find the remote just lying there.

It was then you heard whistling in the air that you turned.

"Don't reveal yourself!" you warned your Servant as you rolled away. A chain was flung over your head barely missing you.

Hitting the ground, you managed to recover as you looked up to see Lancer at the far end of the room. She smiled at you just as you heard something to your side.

"To your right!" Chiyome snapped as you turned to raise a runic barrier only for it to be smashed open.

You recognized the woman before you as Luviagelita Edelfelt. She managed to grab you by your waist and and carrying you to a wall where she hammered you into it. You managed to reinforce your back but the impact still managed to make you dizzy.

Your back broke through a wall before you were thrown across the hall and into another room. You coughed and tried getting up before Luvia rushed in with a kick.

You tried to defend but she shattered your runes and flung you into an open balcony area. You rolled and grit your teeth as you used your cane to break your speed.

"Sakura, now!" Luvia snapped as you noticed another woman take aim at you from above.

Matou Sakura aimed her bow at you and let loose two shots. Gem imbued arrows.

You raised your cane and declared, "AEGIS!"

BOOM

BOOM

BOOM

A shield of light erupted before you and took the blows of the explosives while you remained unharmed. However Luvia went beneath your shield and threw a magically enhanced punch at you.

Letting go of your cane, you raised your palm-

BOOM

"Tell me..." You breathed as you met her gaze, your circuits flaring as you enhanced your body, "Were you the ones who took Miyu?"

"To steal and hold the Grail, that is the nature of this war is it not?" Luvia said as she smiled with a resolved look.

You squeezed her fist and she frowned before making an attempt to pull it back. She couldn't.

"Luvia-san!" Sakura cried out as she fired an arrow, forcing you to dash back.

"Can you handle this?"

The wind blew and your jacket billowed to your side. You felt an odd sense of calm as you held up your hand.

"Get them," you ordered.

Assassin moved to close in on Sakura but before she could reach the Matou, Lancer reappeared. Chiyome was forced to clash with the Servant while Sakura took aim from beneath them. She fired and forced Assassin to turn in the air to throw down kunai to meet her arrows.

Lancer used this opening to kick Assassin down to the ground. Luvia took out her gems and threw them at Assassin, however you managed to get by her in time to raise Aegis. Your shield managed to catch all the explosions as fire bloomed around.

From behind the flames you heard the Matou speak, "Did we get them?"

You dispelled your shield as the flames died off. You and Assassin were standing side by side.

Fate Binds
​

[] "You haven't answered us yet. Where is Miyu?"
[] "The Holy Grail... It's mine. You won't have it."
[] "It's been a long night, Assassin. Let's close it out."
[] "Guess it's our cue to bow out. Assassin, we're jumping off."

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "You haven't answered us yet. Where is Miyu?"

You stepped forward, eyes on your foes as you clenched your fist over your cane. You promised that girl that you would protect her. You promised her that she'll be fine. You promised Miyu that she can live peacefully with her mother again. To that girl, you made a promise and you weren't going to back down now.

You met the gaze of all three enemies before you as your circuits flared.

"You haven't answered us yet," you declared as runes began to fill your flesh, "Where is Miyu?"

The blonde and Servant didn't answer... But the bow woman did. Her eyes met yours as she spoke, "She's safe. She's with us."

You listened and closed your eyes as you walked. You then said, "Good. You'll return her... No, I'll take her back."

Lancer moved, dashing towards you before you looked right at her. Assassin clashed with her in the air as you looked down and let go of your cane. Raising your hand, you managed to catch the Edelfelt's punch as you met her gaze.

You smiled as you let go.

"Since she's safe, then we'll just maim you folks," you replied as Assassin summoned her serpents and forced Lancer to the side.

Luvia dashed back to avoid a serpent coming between the two of you. You held your hand to grab hold of your cane and click the mechanism which revealed as thin sword.

You imbued it with runic magic as you dashed towards Luvia while she held up her fists. She punched as you slashed down and the two of you exchanged blows.

The woman raised her leg and tried kicking your head as you weaved low. You got to her back and cut through an arrow coming for you.

"Fall," you breathed as you etched a rune beneath her feet, forcing her to her knees.

You dashed towards the Matou as she fired arrow after arrow towards you. She aimed right at you but she hesitated as you drew closer, something in her eyes flashing as you used your runes to redirect her projectiles.

"Sakura!" Luvia cried out from behind you.

Lancer and Assassin clashed but while the former sought to aid her Master, the latter kept her in check. Assassin used her summons and tools to push Lancer back while you got closer to your foe. This body has been forged through the fires of seven wars.

You weren't going to stop now.

The Matou abandoned her next shot as you thrust at her neck. She parried your strike with her bow before holding out hef hand and silver spears formed. You etched a rune on the ground and detonated it, shooting a beam of fire between you two.

Her eyes followed the light as you let go of your cane. The silver spears struck nothing as you started to her side and grabbed the woman by her neck. You gripped hard before smashing her into a wall.

BOOM

Lancer snarled as she bounced off Assassin, "BASTARD!"

Luvia broke free of being pulled by gravity before she took a gem and got ready to shoot. However you could easily kill the Matou with your grip alone. That wouldn't be a problem at all.

You looked back and gave the threat through your gaze before glancing at Sakura. Your leg ached from overuse but you were running on adrenaline now.

"Where did you hide her?" You asked in a cold tone.

"I..." The Matou choked.

"Answer me," you warned as you applied pressure to your grip.

"Hans?"

You paused before looking to the side to find the girl in question standing there with wide eyes. You stared at her and discerned that it was no illusion. You let go of the woman before you and let her fall as you turned to Miyu.

"I see. You're safe..." You said as you met her gaze.

Miyu stared at your appearance and slowly walked towards you. You relinquished your control over your runes and faced her. Your eyes widened as you fell down your knees.

"Hans!" Miyu cried out as you looked at the ground. You blinked and felt blood running down your cheek.

Blood... From your eyes? Your vision was turning blurry.

"Step aside, Miss Sakatsuki!" Luvia snapped as she took aim at you.

That's a Gandr.

"Stop!" Miyu cried out as Luvia hesitated. She put herself between you and the Gandr, "You promised you wouldn't kill him!"

"Luvia... Lancer, stand down. The plan failed already. I have what I wanted," The Matou said as she held her neck while looking your way, "The reports from the Luctworth are false. They conflict with Miss Sakatsuki's statements and this man's conduct."

"Luctworth..." You growled as you turned to her.

"We were wrong," Sakura said with a firm voice as she picked up her quiver.

"Sakura, you can't be serious. They're weakened, we can take them!" Lancer said as she hissed.

"Our mission has always been the dismantlement of this Petty War. Killing Mr. Derrinsmith now wouldn't be working towards our goal of finishing this with minimal bloodshed," The Matou said as she held her neck.

You felt your chest sting and you coughed out blood. This was bad.

"Hans!" Chiyome shouted as you fell down.

You were blacking out. Exhaustion caught up to you...

.....
....
...

You slowly opened your eyes. The bed was soft and you felt a little cold beneath your blanket. You realized your body had been plastered with medical patches over numerous bruises you felt.

You felt like you slept for a long time, the sun had already reached its apex outside of your room. You get something warm in your hand and you looked to see Miyu fast asleep by your bedside.

"Your body is failing you," a voice said as you turned to your left. Chiyome had her arms crossed within the shadows in her white and dark green outfit. Her left eye was once again concealed by a black ribbon.

"Fighting nonstop for two weeks... It's bound to happen," she said as she turned her gaze to Miyu, "She never left your side."

"Where are we?" You asked as you hissed under your breath.

"Lancer's camp," Assassin replied as you tried sitting up.

You didn't have a shirt on, so your body filled with scars and bruises was bare for her to see. Chiyome fell silent as you looked at the patches on your body.

You glanced at your Servant and frowned, "What?"

"Nothing," Chiyome said as she looked to the side. She picked up a gray shirt and tossed it at you. You caught it and put it on.

Huh... The right size. Neat.

Assassin was looking at you weird as you put it on before you sighed. Much better.

"Guess we're prisoners now, huh?" You said as you glanced at Chiyome.

"Not quite, Mr. Derrinsmith..."

You turned to the door and watched as Luviagelita Edelfelt stepped in with her white blouse and blue skirt. She had her arms crossed as she looked between you and Assassin.

"You may choose to see it that way but I believe this can be an opportunity. Our goals align as of the moment. We can negotiate an alliance in order to achieve our goals," Luvia said as she spread her fan.

"After you attacked us?" You questioned her with a frown.

"This arrangement wasn't by our suggestion. It's that girl's," Luvia said as she glanced at you, "The Grail decided to protect you. Now what you do with this opportunity is up to you."

Flare
​

[] Accept
[] Decline
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] Accept

You gave her a serious look from where you were on the bed. Luvia didn't shirk away and met your gaze back while she crossed her arms. A negotiation for an alliance, huh? So they're willing to look past all you've done just for this.

But since you already hurt them a lot, you could expect a knife on your back. Still, you recalled that they wished to dismantle the Grail, would that be rendering it inert or making sure the one wishing won't bring disaster on the world? No, you didn't believe that they would do this for simple charity.

Would they be willing to risk this much for your cooperation?

"Fine... I'll play ball with you," you replied with a cool tone.

Luvia nodded and said, "Very well. Come out once you're ready. We will speak outside."

She turned away and exited the door, shutting it behind her. You let out a sigh as you held your head. There was a light sting within your skull but you should be able to handle a talk.

"Is this wise?" Assassin asked from the side, "We could escape now if you wish."

"With my body like this? I don't think so. Let's play along for now," you said with a low chuckle as you glanced her way.

Miyu finally stirred from her sleep and slowly raised her head, "Hans?"

"Finally awake?" You noted as you faced her.

"... I..." Miyu said before you placed a hand on her head.

"It's fine. I'm just glad you're safe. I wouldn't have known what to tell your mother if something happened to you," you said as you met her gaze.

Miyu stared at you before tilting her head, "You feel... Different."

"Different?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Warmer..." Miyu said as her golden eyes looked between you and Assassin, "The two of you are warmer now."

Sight
​

[] "Well, I do certainly feel better."
[] "It must be your imagination. But thanks."
[] "Let's say that... Assassin and I came to a greater understanding of one another."
[] Write in...

 

[AnonymousRabbit]

[] "Let's say that... Assassin and I came to a greater understanding of one another."

You were surprised by that but you scratched your cheek as you gave her an answer, "Let's say that... Assassin and I came to a greater understanding of one another."

"Did we now? I was under the impression that you were too dense to notice," Chiyome said as she crossed her arms.

"And thanks to your efforts, I got a mouthful of the facts," you said with a sigh.

Miyu had a confused look, "Okay..?"

Chiyome had a superior look on her face as she looked at you, "It's nothing to worry about, Lady Miyu."

Miyu blinked with the same confused expression before turning to you, "You went missing for a day. What happened to you?"

"I got caught by Rider's master and imprisoned. I had an armlet that wouldn't let me call for help," you said as you looked at your remaining command seals, "Things happened but I'm here now."

"Good. You promised after all," Miyu said as she glared at you.

You smiled as you saw a familiar orange haired girl in her place. A sigh left your lips as you ruffled her hair, "Of course, I'm not one to break promises."

Miyu broke free of your hand and stepped back, "Good! Now... Get some rest. I have to go see if Ayumi is okay."

"Ayumi? Kirishima Ayumi?" You blinked in surprise.

"I caught her the other night and tied her up. It seems that she takes well to Lady Miyu's presence," Chiyome said from behind you.

"It does feel a little weird to look after an older girl," Miyu admitted with a frown, "But she isn't a bad person. She is strange. Stranger than Manaka."

"Guess I'll have a few words with her when time allows it," you said as you rubbed the back of your neck.

"You stay here and rest. You need it," Miyu said as she gave you a serious look, "Your body is..."

"I know my body better than anyone. I'll be fine," you said as you waved her off. Miyu turned away and went out the door leaving you alone with your Servant.

Chiyome gave you a worried look and said, "At this rate, you won't be able to fight tonight."

"The twelfth already? Boy, this week sure has been eventful," you said with a chuckle, "I'm not surprised one bit that I fell apart."

"Hans," Assassin said as she looked your way.

You met her gaze and smiled, "Tonight, I'm leaving her to you. I can't exactly protect her like this," you said as you held your shoulder.

Chiyome blinked before cracking a small smile, "I understand. Leave it to me."

.....
....
...

You stepped out of your room in the afternoon. You were greeted by the sight of a well furnished living room with a sofa and a couple of armchairs. Miyu was sitting alongside a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, her expression freezing as you entered.

Luvia was also nearby reading a book and her eyes quickly glanced your way. She set down her book and you stopped just before the an armchair.

"We don't have much time. It's good that you got up," Luvia said as she offered you the seat before you.

Ayumi kept quiet while you only spared her a momentary glance. Assassin stood behind you and you could feel the tension in the air grow as you sat down. Your sleeve hung by your side as you leaned back on your seat.

"Sakura is preparing an area to hold our enemies on the event of the broadcast. We hope to acquire your aid in defending Miss Miyu here but there are a few things that we must get out of the way. You agreed to negotiate the terms of our alliance," Luvia said as she crossed her legs, "But first we'll give you what we wish to achieve."

"The dismantlement of the Grail," you said as you gave her a serious look, "I heard the Matou last night before I passed out."

"Correct. Petty Wars are banned and closely scrutinized by both the Church and Association but their rampant numbers have proven difficult to control by both sides," Luvia explained as she held up her hand, "Instead of containing these wars, the best that could be done would be to participate in them and monitor the situation."

"So these monitors... Don't have wishes themselves but merely keep an eye on the war?" You asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Correct. And if needed, win the Grail to prevent it from being used for nefarious purposes. Given the miniscule power of these Grails compared to the original Fuyuki System, they're just insignificant enough for prominent Magi to not bother with them and for vagabonds to take advantage of their power," Luvia said as she looked at you, "Matou Sakura is one such individual monitoring this war..."

"What does that have to do with me?" You asked her as you narrowed your gaze.

"Lady Miyu vouched for you. Your wish is not one that would bring disaster to the human world or expose the moonlit one to the other humans," Luvia said as she leaned forward.

So she knew...

"I am hesitant however... For your wish is one that may just end up hurting you," Luvia pointed out.

"You're not the first one to tell me that," you smirked in your seat.

"Hans Derrinsmith... Your injuries and scars are marks of your numerous wars. Each one, you won... But you haven't made a wish," Luvia said as she leaned back, "Before we ally ourselves with you, what have you exactly been doing with your prizes?"

Did she mean to uncover the a Grails you were hiding? If you spoke now, you would be revealing your plan on constructing a true Holy Grail War.

Something tells you they won't be happy with that.

Mistress of Gems
​

[] Tell the Truth
[] Lie through your teeth.
[] Write in...